Chorale to honor veterans Nov. 11

The Columbia Chorale will pay tribute to American soldiers in a Veterans Day concert Nov. 11 in the sanctuary at the First Presbyterian Church in Kennewick.

"America is truly a land of promise for us and our families," said Steve Halliday, artistic director for the chorale. "For 236 years, we have been the worldwide poster child for self-government, personal freedom, free enterprise and neighborly tolerance."

The chorale's fall concert features several patriotic songs, including This is My Country and Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, as well as Stephen Foster's classic Nelly Bly, and folk songs Sourwood Mountain and Black Sheep.

"Some people stifle patriotism, fearing it fosters arrogance and ill will," Halliday said. "But valuing a common culture not only unites neighbors and promotes security, it provides energy to solve common problems."

Keeping with the concert's patriotic theme, Halliday said his troupe of about 30 singers also will sing a number of tunes that praise home and hearth.

"We are such a mobile society that it seems unusual to meet someone who was born and raised in the Mid-Columbia," he said. "But as we experience life, we reflect more often on the happy memories of the place we grew up."

The Columbia Chorale is a community chorus that welcomes all ages and singing skill levels to its ranks. Next year, the ensemble will celebrate 50 years of providing musical entertainment in the Tri-Cities.

The Veterans Day concert starts at 3 p.m. The church is at 2001 W. Kennewick Ave. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.